Tag Archives: Motorola modem

Cable companies have long been among the “most hated” industries. Based on my experience, I think I know at least one of the reasons for that negative view. My complaint is the ongoing price increases from Time Warner Cable. I have 2 TVs – one is HD, one is analog. When I first joined the cable crowd in late 2012 I got the Starter TV channels, the Standard TV channels, the Preferred TV channels and 2 HD Set-Top boxes. The price was $78.82/mo. Here’s the sequence of price increases I’ve had since:

Jan 2013 – $78.82

Dec 2013 – $89.22

Jun 2014 – $91.05 (I added internet)

May 2015 – $113.89

Mar 2016 – $122.59

Apr 2016 – $138.04

So for 2016 ALONE, I’ve had a 21% increase!!!The TV channels portion of the bill increased $20, 25%. The box price increased 50¢, 4%. The modem increased from $5.99 to $10 – a 67% increase. The broadcast TV/Sports surcharge increased by $3.25, a 59% increase.

By this time, I had had enough! I reviewed the Preferred TV channels to see how many I actually watch. There were only two: NatGeoWild and Smithsonian. So I called TWC to remove the Preferred TV cost. The rep said I could cut the cost of the boxes by using a “Digital Adapter” if I didn’t use OnDemand or StartOver. I don’t use either of those features so I decided to save the $17! I received the two adapters the next day!

Upon installing the little adapters the instructions said to call TWC for activation. While on the phone with the Rep, he mentioned I could also save money by purchasing my own modem via Amazon. So off to Amazon website I went. They have the exact modem for $48.49! Since TWCs new charge for their modem is $10/mo, I will have MY modem paid for after 5 months! My future bill “should” be $110 – until TWC takes the price up again.

Last year I bought a router to attach to the modem. This allows me to have wifi for my cell phone so I avoid exceeding the ‘data’ portion of Verizon phone bill. It’s not easy but I’m determined to win – or at least minimize – this “war” with the technology companies.

One last warning for TWC – Wowwayis now preparing to come into my neighborhood. I’m sure they’ll offer promos for signing up. It would be stupid to think that their promos won’t end and they’ll also have consistent price increases as well.